The first new Mark V SkyTrains entered service Thursday, July 10, ushering in a new era for TransLink's Expo Line.
The new SkyTrains are five cars long and are done up in the familiar blue livery, however, this next gen iteration has 25 per cent more capacity than its predecessors on the line, making them integral in the transit system's need to support the incoming Broadway Subway and Surrey-Langley SkyTrain projects, according to TransLink.
The new Mark V train that rolled into service on the Expo Line is the first of 47 trains (235 cars total), which represents TransLink's largest-ever order of SkyTrain cars for its fleet.
The order was placed back in December 2020, triggering a long process from paperwork to passengers. The trains are manufactured in Quebec, tested in Ontario, then delivered to Metro Vancouver (via flatbed truck) before more testing on TransLink's rails.
Testing began on the Expo and Millennium tracks in early March this year.
TransLink points out the following design elements of the new Mark V trains:
- Wider aisles with more standing room, handrails and new leaning pads
- Spacious multi-use areas for bikes, luggage, strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices
- Enhanced safety and accessibility with visual door closure and emergency braking indicators
- A mix of forward-facing and side seating for greater choice and flexibility
Additionally, the new trains feature interior artwork by Indigenous artists Rain Pierre of q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie First Nation), Atheana Picha of qw̓ɑ:nƛ̓ə̓n̓ (Kwantlen First Nation), Brandon Gabriel of qw̓ɑ:nƛ̓ə̓n̓ (Kwantlen First Nation), Darryl Blyth of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Rose Williams of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
The full order of new Mark V SkyTrains will roll out one by one from now through 2029.
